Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups: The Ultimate Breakfast Mashup

Get ready to transform your breakfast routine with a recipe that is pure fun and indulgence! These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups take all the warm, gooey goodness of a classic cinnamon roll and wrap it up in a perfectly pan-fried French toast package.
This recipe features soft bread flattened and spread with a sweet cinnamon-cream cheese filling, rolled up tight, dipped in a vanilla-cinnamon egg custard, and pan-fried to golden-brown perfection. A final roll in cinnamon sugar makes them absolutely irresistible. It’s the perfect treat for a special brunch, a holiday morning, or whenever you’re craving something truly delightful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Delicious: It’s the perfect fusion of two breakfast classics.
- Fun and Easy to Make: A simple, step-by-step process that’s great for getting kids involved in the kitchen.
- Perfectly Portioned: No-mess, individual roll-ups are easy to serve and eat.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This impressive-looking treat is guaranteed to wow family and friends at any brunch gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a truly spectacular breakfast.
For the Sweet Cream Cheese Filling:
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces (113g), softened to room temperature.
- Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, softened.
For the Roll-Ups:
- Sandwich Bread: 8-10 slices of soft white sandwich bread.
- Butter: For frying.
For the French Toast Custard:
- Eggs: 2 large.
- Milk: 1/4 cup (whole milk or 2% works best).
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon.
For the Optional Icing Drizzle:
- Powdered Sugar: 1/2 cup.
- Milk or Cream: 1-2 tablespoons.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread and Filling
First, trim the crusts from all slices of bread. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread until it is thin.
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese filling over one side of each flattened bread slice. Starting from one end, roll each slice up tightly into a log shape.
Step 3: Prepare the Custard and Coating
In a shallow dish (like a pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until smooth.
In another shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for the coating.
Step 4: Dip and Cook
Melt a tablespoon of butter in a large non-stick skillet or on a griddle over medium heat.
Working one at a time, quickly dip each bread roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s lightly coated on all sides. Don’t let it soak for too long, or it will become soggy.
Place the dipped roll-ups seam-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently, until all sides are golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Coat and Serve
As soon as you remove a roll-up from the skillet, immediately transfer it to the cinnamon-sugar dish and roll it until it’s fully coated.
If you’re adding the icing, whisk the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk together in a small bowl until smooth. Add more milk, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach a drizzling consistency. Drizzle the icing over the warm roll-ups. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Soft Bread: Soft, fresh sandwich bread is the easiest to flatten and roll without cracking.
- Don’t Over-Soak: A quick dip in the egg custard is all you need. Soaking the bread will make the roll-ups fall apart.
- Coat While Hot: The cinnamon sugar will stick best to the roll-ups when they are hot, right out of the pan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: These are best served fresh and warm. However, you can prepare the filling and roll the bread up in advance. Store the uncooked roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just dip and cook as directed.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a toaster oven, air fryer, or a dry skillet to help them crisp up again.
Q: Can I use a different filling? A: Absolutely! You could use Nutella, fruit preserves, or peanut butter as alternative fillings for a fun twist on the recipe.
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